Bafana Bafana no. 1 goalkeeper and Club Captain, Itumeleng Khune on Saturday paid a tribute to each and everyone who has supported him throughout his football career.

The Ventersdorp born goal minder reached a milestone on Saturday against Algeria as he represented Bafana Bafana for the 50th time since making his debut back in 2008.

Khune who was the Nations’ no. 3 during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana back in 2008 has been no. 1 ever since playing in 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2012 World Cup.

Regarded as one of the best ball distributers, Khune was once compared by Africa Cup of Nations winning coach, Clive Barker to Manchester United great, Eric Cantona; “He kicks like Cantona,” said Barker as a pundit during the 2009 Confederations Cup.

He told kaizerchiefs.com about the milestone; “It has not been an easy ride. I have had lots of ups and downs with injuries and so on. I would like to dedicate my 50th cap against Algeria on Saturday night to each and everyone who has supported me in my career.

“I want to thank the Club, my coaches past and present and of course the goalkeepers that I have competed with both at the national team and club level for keeping me on my toes,” said Khune who helped his country keep a clean sheet against the highly rated Algeria at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.

Khune reflected on some of the best moments in the Bafana Bafana green and gold jersey; “My second game against Paraguay at Super Stadium was special and so was my debut against Zimbabwe. I will also cherish the game we played against Brazil in 2012 as one of my best performances. There were also memorable games during the Confederations Cup notably against Spain (where he saved David Villa’s penalty) and against Brazil.

“I had an opportunity to meet some of the best goalkeepers in the world; my hero Pepe Reina, Iker Cassilas and Julio Ceaser sharing a stage with the best in the world is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“My family that has supported me through and through has also played a massive role. The Club, Kaizer Chiefs including goalkeeper coach Rainer Dinkelacker and goalkeeper coaches at Bafana Bafana deserve a special mention.

Khune went on to urge the country to rally behind the national team following indifferent results against Norway (a loss) and Algeria (a draw), “We will be ready on the 19th against Cape Verde. We want to win each and every game we play. The atmosphere at Orlando Stadium was amazing with fans rallying behind the team. I would like to call on you to do the same come the 19th.

What’s next now for the man nicknamed, ‘Spider’ after his childhood hero, Brian Baloyi, “I want to stay no. 1 for Bafana Bafana as long as possible and be the first goalkeeper to reach 100 caps. It is possible.”